The REGUA Project:

Current work on the Guapi Assu Reserve

The underlying aim of The Guapi Assu reserve, managed by WLT project partners REGUA, is the effective conservation of the site's rich biodiversity and natural beauty. However, to ensure maximum conservation benefit it is often not sufficient to declare an area a reserve and expect that this alone will ensure its protection and long term survival of its wildlife. The WLT and REGUA recognise this and are thus taking a proactive role in reserve management through a variety of projects on the Guapi Assu Reserve including habitat restoration, environmental education, and community outreach programmes.

Wetland at the Guapi Assu Reserve. Photo © John Wilsher

Habitat restoration

Reforestation of rainforest trees is already taking place in areas of the reserve that have been previously logged. So far, more than 18,000 trees have been planted so far with the aim to plant a total of 40,000-60,000 over three years. With so much of the Atlantic rainforest degraded it is important to take this positive approach and restore forest cover to provide continuous habitats for wildlife. Previously parts of the Guapi Assu Reserve have been lowland wetlands which boasted exotic animal and plant species, including orchids and bromeliads. Unfortunately, much of this wetland has been drained and turned into pasture. A wetland restoration programme has taken place in these areas to restore the natural habitat. Many of the original plants have re-grown from the existing dormant seed-bank and wetland animals, such as Caiman, have returned to the waters. The site has also played an important part in the environmental education programmes, demonstrating the methods and benefits of habitat management.

Biodiversity monitoring and inventory

Eye-ringed Tody-tyrant: One of the many endemic species of bird found in the Guapi Assu Reserve. Photo © Alan Martin/REGUA.

The reserve is home to a startling array of wildlife with over 420 birds already catalogued. However like much of the Atlantic rainforest little is known about the many other species that inhabit the area. Thus there is still lots more exciting research to be done within the reserve and a programme is underway in collaboration with local universities and research institutions, to create a systematic inventory of all the wildlife in the Guapi Assu. The project will use inexpensive methods of surveying and will provide an opportunity for students to use the area as a "natural laboratory" as well as helping to establish the reserve as a premier site for scientific research and environmental education.

Species Reintroduction

Pair of reintroduced Red-billed Curassows Photo © Christine Steiner

REGUA is keen to reintroduce some of the species that have been lost over the previous decades due to hunting. A reintroduction programme is already underway with the Red-Billed Curassow, and further reintroductions are planned for the Black-Fronted Piping Guan and 3 species of Tinamous. The birds are captive bred by Crax International, and the successful reintroduction and monitoring programme for the Curassow began in 2006. The Red Billed Curassow has been extinct in the Atlantic rainforests for the past 30 years and not seen for 120 years in the project area. The total wild population is thought to number less than 650 individuals, and it is hoped that as well as breeding, the reintroduced birds will also attract other birds to the area. The reintroductions are creating much local interest and provide a great opportunity for REGUAs education programme. Reintroductions of other mammals including the Golden-Lion Tamarin, Red Brocker Deer and even Tapir may be possible in the future when we can be certain that a large enough area is secure from hunting.

Education and Community Involvement

An important factor in the long-term protection of a reserve is the involvement of local people in the project. At Guapi Assu this involves employing local people to work on the reserve and consulting community leaders on decisions that will affect the local population. REGUA is also working with schools and local groups in the area to help foster an awareness of the complex beauty and conservation importance of the their natural surroundings, and to promote a sense of pride and ownership in the work at the Guapi Assu Reserve. In addition REGUA conduct a "Young Rangers" scheme where a group of volunteers work with a Guapi Assu ranger and are involved in day-to-day ranger activities such as monitoring, tree planting and maintaining trail systems. The "Young Rangers" are also involved in undertaking research and in return for their services they gain first hand knowledge of wildlife management and the valuable experience of working in a ranger position, both which help to improve their career prospects.

More information on WLT's Brazil project

Learn more about the Brazilian wildlife and what you can do to help save it in Protect the Atlantic Rainforest